Siskiyou Family YMCA: Adult softball league an annual tradition in Yreka

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By Daily News Sports Editor Bill Choy@SDNBillChoy

Siskiyou Daily News, Yreka, CA

By Daily News Sports Editor Bill Choy@SDNBillChoy

Posted Jul. 3, 2014 at 8:23 AM

By Daily News Sports Editor Bill Choy@SDNBillChoy

Posted Jul. 3, 2014 at 8:23 AM

YREKA

Softball is truly a family affair for Don Super.

A member of the Karuk Booster coed softball team who has played for a number of years in the Siskiyou Family YMCA adult softball league, all but two members of the squad are related to him.

Super said that he has six cousins, two siblings' children, a grandson, a sister and a daughter on his team.

And, that does not include the countless other family members, including many of his grandkids and his mom and dad who cheer the team on from the sidelines.

“It’s fun. We’re a close family,” he said. “It’s great to play and get together.”

Super has been playing in the league for around 20 years and said he looks forward to it each year, as do countless other folks in Siskiyou County.

The league, which also includes a men’s division, began in mid-May and runs through August on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at Miner Street Park. There are normally three games played each night, with softball action getting underway at 6:20 p.m.

Commissioner Kellen Mehrmann said that there are around 120 players in the coed division and 75 in the men’s division this year.

“It gives everyone a chance to get out, get some exercise and play some competitive softball,” he said.

The adult softball league has a variety of ages taking part and includes a number of veterans who have played for many years.

Mehrmann said the coed division is a great mixture of those who just want to go out, have fun and not be overly concerned about wins and losses. In the men’s league, Mehrmann said, “It’s all pretty competitive, but it’s still fun. We still joke with our friends.”

Pitcher Joe Croteau of the No Glove, No Love coed team said that at 47-years-old he is the oldest member of his team.

“I’m the old guy on the team who gives out wisdom,” he said with a chuckle before the start of the squad’s game on Wednesday night.

Team member Mitch Shinar said that being part of the adult softball league is something he always looks forwards to each year. “

I like the competition and being able to go and hang out with my friends,” he said.

When asked for some memorable plays he made, Shinar said, “I remember only the bad plays.”